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About Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Expertise
Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience
I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations
American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Urology > Urology > a small knot on penis
Expert: Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Date: 9/29/2008
Subject: a small knot on penis
Question
Hi i noticed last night a small hard knot on the right side of my penis closer to my inner right thigh it just showed up its slightly tender i was hopeing you could give me some advice on what it may be im 18 n really hopeing its not cancer since its only been 24 hours i wanted to hold off on the doctor thinking it might be a pimple or ingrowin hair do u have any suggestions???? Plz and thank you!!!
Answer
John, as you might imagine, for this type of problem it is not possible for me to make an exact diagnosis over the internet because of the inability to do a physical examination. However, I shall try to help you. First let me reassure you that this is not penile cancer. The latter almost always occur on the head & foreskin area of the penis in uncircumcised men who practice very poor local hygiene. In addition, penile cancers take many years to develop and rarely involve the penile shaft.
Since your lesion is new, it probably represents either and infected hair follicle or pimple. With either, it is important NOT to squeeze the lesion as, if it is an infection, this could cause it to spread. Usually applying warm wet compresses 2-3 times a day will produce spontaneous resolution. Another possibility is that this is a blocked sebaceous cyst.
These are a special type of sweat gland that are prominent in the genital region. Not infrequently, the duct that drains their secretions to the skin surface can become blocked. If this happens, the fluid build up and they begin to swell. Usually, they are of no consequence but are sometimes these glands may also become infected. Again, the most common cause of infection is trying to squeeze the mass and, therefore, this should not be done. In fact, squeezing an inflamed mass may spread infection to other parts of the body which can be very serious. If infected, they become red, more swollen and tender. In this case, you should see a physician for possible incision and drainage. This is a minor procedure that usually can be done in a few minutes the office.
The bottom line is that you do not have cancer & your problem is generally a minor one. If the lesion does not resolve in a week or so, consultation with a urologist is suggested. Good luck.
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